7 Ideas for your next Home Improvement Project

Improving instead of moving? We’ve got you covered.

Choosing a new home improvement project is an exciting, yet overwhelming, choice. With so many options out there, it can be hard to decide on what to tackle first.

Whether you’re looking to seriously renovate or tweak a few minor details, here are 7 ideas for your next home improvement project. (Including inspiration from the beautiful homes of our very own members' customers!)

Modernising old buildings

You can’t beat the character and rich history of living in an old house; but you can certainly beat some of the draughty, outdated features.

If you live in a historic building, consider which details of the property could do with an upgrade. Perhaps the walls need replastering, the carpets need replacing or the front door could do with a total makeover (to get rid of that frigid chill in the winter).

The concern with home improvement projects on historic buildings is losing the original features, but you can propel your old home into the modern world without compromising on character.

Choose specific features of the building you want to preserve: perhaps a traditional fireplace or wooden ceiling beams, and modernise aspects of the property you can afford to live without.

See below an example from one of our members who preserved the historic integrity of this home whilst adding a modern flair.

Installer: Pro-Fit Northern LTD

Add Skylights

If you’re planning to renovate your loft or build an extension, consider implementing skylights into your new space. They are a fantastic way to lighten up a room without the risk of cranking up the energy bill.

Not only do they increase happy hormones thanks to some extra Vitamin-D, but skylights can give your home a wonderfully modern feel in such a simple way.

Check out these skylights which modernised and improved this double hipped Edwardian conservatory.

Installer: CRI WEST MIDLANDS LIMITED

Garden Buildings

Garden Buildings are the epitome of making your space work harder for you.

Whether you’re aiming to add value to your home or simply improve your existing space, utilise the neglected patch of grass at the bottom of your garden to create room out of thin air in your next home improvement project.

Garden buildings are a great opportunity to build that home office you’ve always dreamed of, a snug guest house for the in-laws or a creative storage solution. (And a great way to reduce the lawn-mowing responsibilities!)

See below for the “work-from-home utopia” one of our members constructed using the empty space in their back garden.

Installer: Kingdom Rooms (Glaart Ltd t/as)

Extension

The extension is a classic home improvement project, and for good reason.

Not only do they offer you the most flexibility and possibility compared to other home improvement projects, but you can construct multiple extensions on the same property (loft extensions, side extensions, rear extensions and even basement excavations!)

Extensions can be a complex and expensive process, often with multiple contractors working over an extended period of time. Ensure you’ve requested planning permission, enlisted the help of trusted, CPA-registered tradespeople and covered yourself with the correct insurance before you get started.

Installer: Lifestyle Home Solutions Ltd – 690.

New Driveway

Your driveway is an underrated aspect of your home, yet it’s the first thing your guests see and will ultimately inform a first impression.

Here are a few ideas you could use in your next home improvement project:

• A professional jet wash and tidying up the edges

• Implementing lighting to line the edges and showcase your home

• Resurfacing the driveway and opting for new materials and/or patterns

• Redesigning the landscaping surrounding your driveway

Resurfacing your driveway can be a costly process; especially if you’re opting for specialist materials.

All CPA-registered tradespeople have access to an insurance backed guarantee and in some cases, a deposit protection scheme.

Fresh Coat of Paint

On a budget?

Improve your space by giving your walls, floors or even ceilings a fresh coat of paint. This simple yet effective solution can brighten up your space and even create the illusion of more space.

Fixtures & Fittings

Another great cost-effective home improvement project is upgrading the fixtures and fittings around your house.

Particularly for dated properties, old-school brass handles or dated lampshades can be a bit of an eyesore.

Consider which of the smaller details in your home could do with a makeover; you’ll be surprised how much difference it can make.

Conclusion

There are numerous home improvement projects you can undertake to take your property to the next level. Whether you’re preparing for a sale or looking to upgrade your forever home, these projects are a guaranteed value-adder.

Whether you’re adding more room, upgrading existing spaces or tweaking minor details, improving your home is made easier by enlisting the help of CPA-registered tradespeople.